Boston’s Ryan Dempster says he won’t pitch in 2014

Boston Red Sox right-hander Ryan Dempster plans to take this season off, a decision that surprised teammates and will cost the 16-year veteran $13.25 million in salary.

Dempster said Sunday he is stepping away for physical reasons and to spend more time with his family. But he left a slight opening to play in 2015.

“I had an incredible run, a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships, great friendships,” Dempster said one day before the first formal spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. “I’m totally comfortable with it. I’m at peace with my decision.”

Dempster, whose contract expires after this season, finished his only year with the Red Sox with an 8-9 record and a 4.57 ERA and didn’t get a start during their postseason run to a World Series title.

“The past few years have been tougher and tougher,” he said. “As you get older, going through some things, some issues I have with my neck that have made it harder and harder to throw a baseball and throw it like I’m accustomed to throw it” contributed to his decision.

“I’ve got three amazing children that I want to watch grow up and be around.”

The Red Sox still have a solid veteran rotation with Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, Jake Peavy and Felix Doubront, and several promising young starters.

Dempster said he spoke with the club a few weeks ago about taking the season off.

Dempster has pitched for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Red Sox. He is 132-133 with a 4.35 ERA and made the All-Star team in 2008 when he went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA with the Cubs. He was Chicago’s closer from 2005-07, totaling 85 saves.

Four years for Kimbrel

Kimbrel gets a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $7 million this year, $9 million in 2015, $11 million in 2016 and $13 million in 2017. The Braves have a $13 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.

Kimbrel saved 50 games with a 1.21 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 67 innings last year. In four seasons with the Braves, Kimbrel has 139 saves and a 1.39 ERA.

A’s, Reddick agree

The 26-year-old had asked for $3.25 million when the sides swapped proposed arbitration figures last month and had been offered $2 million.

He hit .226 with 12 homers and 56 RBIs in 114 games last year, when he went to the disabled list twice because of a sprained right wrist that required offseason surgery. He made $510,000.

Acquired from Boston before the 2012 season, Reddick had 32 homers and 85 RBIs in his first season with the A’s, when he earned a Gold Glove.

Burnett deal done

A.J. Burnett and the Philadelphia Phillies have completed a contract that guarantees the pitcher $15 million for 2014 and $22.5 million over two seasons.

Under the deal, Burnett would make $33.5 million over two seasons if he makes 30 starts or more in both years.

The 37-year-old Burnett, who pitched for Pittsburgh for the last two seasons, chose the Phillies over the Pirates, he said, because of the proximity of the team to his home in Monkton, Md.

Sox sign Cordero

The Boston Red Sox have signed reliever Francisco Cordero to a minor-league contract with an invitation to the major league camp.

Cordero has been a closer for most of his career but didn’t pitch last year after struggling in 2012. In 14 seasons with six teams, he is 47-53 with a 3.38 ERA and 329 saves.

The 38-year-old right-hander had 117 saves with Texas from 2000-06 and 150 with Cincinnati from 2008-11. But in 2012 he had just two saves and a 5.77 ERA with Toronto and blew all three save opportunities with Houston, with a 19.80 ERA.